Asbestos in Paint

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We’ve all probably heard stories of lead-based paint chips causing harm to children. However, lead isn’t the only material that’s been shown to cause harm in those who are exposed to it. It has also been discovered that the widespread use of asbestos in the construction industry has caused many to be exposed to asbestos that exists in paint.

Asbestos is a natural substance that has been praised by many industries for its fire-resistance and insulating properties. Such characteristics made it perfect for inclusion in a range of construction products including paint. While asbestos presented many benefits, it has also been found to be just as deadly as it is practical. Asbestos exposure is linked to a number of lethal lung diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. As a result, asbestos was eventually banned from use in most construction materials.

The Harmful Effects of Asbestos Found in Paint

While asbestos paints were usually only comprised of 5-10% asbestos, this amount was enough to cause deadly conditions to arise in those exposed to this harmful substance. The most widespread effect of asbestos exposure is a deadly form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma primarily damages the lining of the lungs and there is no cure for this lethal condition. As a result, this terminal form of cancer has an astronomical mortality rate.

What’s Been Done About Asbestos Paint Exposure

While major corporations and industries have known about the harmful nature of asbestos since the 1930s, nothing was done at the time to protect workers from being exposed. Workers were neither provided with the necessary safety equipment nor information on how to protect themselves. As a result, many have taken legal action against these negligent corporations and have won significant sums of money to cover lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses related to asbestos exposure.

The use of asbestos in paint and other consumer products finally ceased in the 1980s. However, any building constructed prior to the 1980s may still have paint or other materials laden with asbestos.

If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos in any manner, it’s best to consult your doctor and have them test you for mesothelioma. Even if you don’t see any visible symptoms, the test is crucial as mesothelioma can go without detectable symptoms for nearly 30 years. After receiving proper medical attention, consult a mesothelioma attorney so you can receive the compensation you deserve.